Chapter 12

Melissa felt a wave of resentment, but she bit her lip and forced a light smile. Her pale face betrayed none of the turmoil inside. "I'm fine, really. It's okay if no one stays with me. I can handle it on my own. If you're busy, you can go ahead. Don't let me keep you. I'm just... a little scared, that's all." But even Marcelo, who was usually so good at reading people, couldn't pick up on her unspoken plea to stay. Instead, he let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you understand. We'll be off then." With that, he walked away briskly, and Anthony was already long gone. As the three left, Melissa stomped her foot in frustration but felt powerless to do anything about it. Back in the ward, Stephanie, who had been lying in bed, glanced toward the door a few times when she saw only Melissa enter. "Stop looking for them, Mom. They had to leave," Melissa said weakly as she sat down by the bed. Stephanie looked at Melissa in disappointment. "Didn't you say we needed to keep them here tod